Dana Cope on PC

Hey everyone!

I know the focus is on UNC and it's big game tonight. Go Heels!

But if you're looking for some pre-game viewing check out Political Connections on News 14 Carolina tonight at 6 and again on Sunday at 11am.

My guests are Dana Cope from the State Employee Association and Mary Gowan from Elon's Business School. We talk about furloughs and layoffs.

Notice how we hardly ever heard of the word furloughs before this year? What's the story behind it and what do you need to know. Plus are furloughs the right answer for state government?

Mr. Cope has some strong feelings on the issue. The interview was taped before layoffs were announced by UNC but he talks candidly about the issue.

Check it out! Next week we take the show on the road to President Obama's health care forum in our state!

1/3rd life crisis

Weird title huh? 1/3rd life crisis. We've heard about the mid-life crisis. It typically involves the mid 40's to mid 50's person who is freaking out because their life is seamingly flashing before their eyes. They sell the Camry and buy a cherry red Miata. They even end up at bars, at times, in "hip" clothing looking to "hang".

We've even heard about the quarter life crisis. It's the 25 year old who has left college and the glow of the neon sign from The Bar is behind you and 40 years in the workforce slaps you in the face. The carefree days of little sleep and big fun are gone and the reality of responsibility arrive.

But these days, I'm feeling the 1/3rd life crisis. You see, I'm 32 years old. I'm not talking about the crisis in terms of my personal life (honey, don't worry I'm not about to buy a shiny red convertible). It's about my professional life. In my thirties, I'm sort of in between. Don't get me wrong, I understand I'm younger than older but that line is blurring.

About two months ago, I began reading about all these new social websites people were using. I had heard about it for some time but just started reading more about it. I sat down with one of our web producers and demanded to learn about it. Not because I was so interested but I felt it was necessary to survive. My life was just fine without twitter and facebook, so I thought. Well, apparently I was wrong and needed to say why in 140 characters or less. Today, I proudly tweet and have my own facebook "fan" page.

While I'm using it, I still feel like your friend's dad whose trying to use words like "cool" and "awesome" with you. Want to know why I feel out of touch with the teens and 20's? I just used cool and awesome as examples!

I'm not in with the older crowd either. They have enough experience that they are running the businesses and don't need to know this new technology (even though they should).

I'm in a technological sandwich trying find my purpose. I feel like I don't have a place and am trying to find that place. The good news is, I hope, that even the 1/4 lifers and mid lifers feel the same way.

This technology is moving so fast we are all trying to find our way. The internet is so vast and so clogged, at the same time, it's hard to feel relevant. Heck, I never heard of 1/3rd life crisis before I started writing about it, but lord knows if I google it, it will come up on some other blog or book. (I just googled it and sure enough it shows up on several web pages!). I may read it but who knows if it's worth the time.

And that is the biggest point. How do we do enough to provide value to be relevant in this new technological world confronting us everywhere we turn, type, or click. That's why media companies are literally dying. Adapting quickly is probably the biggest necessity. Which is why I forced myself to sit down with a near quarter lifer to help out this 1/3rd lifer. He wanted to help and work with me but will other "youngsters".

I feel like I'm starting to babble now so I'm going to stop, but I wanted to more or less get the conversation going. Let me know what you think and where you think you fit.

I need to go for now, I need to catch up with some tweeple.

NC next Zimbabwe?

Hey all...

I was reading a CNN article and it struck me funny just a day after Gov. Perdue's proposal. Here's the article.

If you don't have time or don't care to read it, it basically says that Zimbabwe is way too reliant on taxes from beer and cigarettes. Just yesterday, Gov. Perdue proposed a $1.00 per pack tax hike on cigarettes and a 5% hike on the alcohol tax.

According to the report, the new finance director for Zimbabwe criticized the president of the country for having customs and excise taxes make up 88% of government revenue. The finance director expects that reliance to lead to a huge budget shortfall due to an economic crisis.

I just point this out for humor reasons that it came out just one day after our governor's announcement. The truth is the tax increases here would only gather roughly $500 million a year (I know "only" is a bad word choice but in a $21 billion plan that's not much).

Now, one could argue a reliance on taxes like these are not good policy and I'm sure you'll hear that from our conservative friends on my show this week. What will our left leaning friends say?

I'm so glad you asked (shameless plug)! Watch Political Connections Friday at 6 and Sunday morning at 11am only on News 14 Carolina to find out!

Enjoy that sun out there today. It seems like it's been days since I've seen it. Wait it has been days!

Budget fatigue

As I keep reading, line by line, the governor's budget proposal it tends to make my eyes, mind, and soul hurt! Not because it's a good or bad proposal, but it's simply hard work for someone not trained in accounting, business, budgets, etc.

My mind is already fried trying to figure out how in the world I'm going to fill out my NCAA bracket! I'm a college basketball fanatic you see.

Anyway, I want to focus tonight on Gov. Perdue's program eliminations she proposed today. We've heard plenty about job cuts, tax increases (cigarettes and alcohol), and spending cuts. I encourage you to read several sources because it's complicated and not every story focuses on the same thing or as well as others.

With Gov. Perdue's budget (which is actually about 6 huge packets in binders that is daunting just to look at) she included a three page hand-out detailing program eliminations. It didn't make too many headlines. The closure of several coreectional facilities probably got the most attention from this section. You see it only cuts a total of $37.4 million dollars. It does equal 842 positions (not all "real people" but positions).

Anyway, it provides a unique look at how detailed spending is in the budget and things that cost money you might never imagine.


Take the elimination of the internship program at the State Controller's office. How much do you think that would cost? Try $119,000 per year. I'm not sure how well these interns are paid but I had to beg for a free internship in my business!

Be careful next time you're on the Neuse River because the River Rapid Response Team was eliminated as well. (a cool $202,877 and 4.5 jobs gone).

And if you're interested in how insects can benefit our state? You better rely on old research because the Beneficial Insect Lab at the Department of Agriculture has been eliminated by the budget fly swatter ($91,148 per year).

An apprenticeship program at the Dept. of Labor costs $1.8 million with 26 positions. Gone.

At least two camps in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquincy Prevention are gone (2.5 mill and 21 jobs).

How about this one...we are in a considerable economic crisis and what got cut from Public Instruction (schools)? You guessed it a Personal Financial Literacy program ($500,000).

Those are just a few examples of 39 eliminations. Don't get me wrong, I am by no means criticizing or cheerleading these cuts. Cuts needed to be made somewhere. I was just pointing out for your benefit the detail of the budget and some of the programs your tax dollars fund you might never ever imagine.

Think of it this way that $37.5 million in cuts is just a tiny fraction of a $21 billion dollar budget. Imagine how hard it is to figure out the rest and understand it all!

Let me know what you think of the Governor's proposal.

Governor Perdue's budget

And so the day comes that Governor Perdue is probably dreading. Tuesday morning (11:30am to be exact), Gov. Perdue will hold a news conference announcing her budget proposal.

She has said all along it's not going to be pretty, and I have to imagine she's not kidding. By all accounts, the state is facing a huge budget shortfall.

In the past week, Gov. Perdue has unveiled bits of her budget. Today she promised to increase funding for education by 2.5%. Last week she talked about new programs to help bring jobs and stimulate the economy. Those programs also cost money. So, we've got a good preview of how she plans to spend money but no inkling of how she will cut it.

This new spending means some very bad news for other areas. It will likely lead to agency heads, department heads, and state employees having a very restless night of sleep tonight.

Rumors have spread to a 10-15% cut in many departments and layoffs as well. The big question is how much and which programs might get cut altogether.

Governor Perdue has said several times in the past week that she's enjoying these moments because many people will not be happy with her after tomorrow. The fact is the budget issues are so deep, no matter what decisions she made she would face criticism.

That's where you come in. For better or for worse, I want to hear your thoughts on the governor's budget tomorrow. Either comment on this page or find me on twitter @boyumnews14 or email me at tim.boyum@news14.com.

We will use the comments here, on twitter, and on the air as well.

And can we get some warm sunny weather in here!!!!!!!!!!

Got a question?

Do you have a question about News 14 Carolina or about tv news in general?

How about a question about news stories going on?

I'm looking for your questions to start a conversation here on the blog with all of you! I will answer them to the best of my ability or try to find the answer for you.

In the meantime, take advantage of the dreary weather and cuddle up to a great weekend of ACC basketball!!!

To tweet or not to tweet?

That is truly the question in the world of journalism these days. The popularity of the social media tool is spreading like wild fire. I've read article after article about the popularity.

In case you're not familiar this is what twitter is directly from the site.

"Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?"

You must answer that question in 140 characters or less.

In recent months, some of the first reports from the India hotel bombing were on twitter from people inside the hotel. The flight 1549 crash had witnesses putting up tweets almost immediately.

It's an incredible resource, but as journalists it creates an interesting qeustion as well. How do you confirm the person tweeting really saw or experienced what they are claiming they saw? How do you know it's really the person they say they are on the website?

These questions can be answered much like phone call tips. Confirm your source information with another source which is always a good idea on any story.

What's interesting about it from my point of view is the fact it offers several benefits. It allows me to keep tabs in a different way with sources, organizations, etc. by following their twitter accounts.

It allows me, at times, to have direct contact with viewers and build viewership for the station. I've received contact from several viewers who love feeling "connected" to myself and our meteorologists they watch on television. I don't let it get too personal, but it allows me to give some behind the scenes information and a little personal touch as well.

The final part is perhaps the most important. It allows me to solicit questions and feedback from viewers. The best example comes from this past Monday. Gov. Bev Perdue gave her state of the state address. We had live coverage on tv with our experts before and after the address. During the speech we encouraged viewers to give us their feedback and questions via Twitter. After the address ended, we began our live analysis and coverage and I read many of the comments which lead to questions for my guests. Some even sent questions that I asked our guest within minutes. Just a moment later that viewer thanked me for asking the question. So, in a matter of minutes during live coverage, the viewer asked a question, I asked it, and got an answer, and the viewer thanked me.

The lesson here is a lot of our viewers are not doing just one thing at a time. They are watching tv and surfing the internet. If we can engage them on live tv like that, I think they are more likely to take part. It's incredible to think people can instantly take part in our coverage.

I'm not a trailblazer here looking for attention. Rick Sanchez is doing it daily on his CNN show. But it's catching fire with other national folks as well. David Gregory from Meet the Press, Anderson Cooper, Ellen Degeneres, and many more are using it for a number of reasons.

Are there dangers? Perhaps. Is it an evolving process? Of course. Is it important? Absolutely. Those of us who don't embrace technology and try to find a way to make it work will be tasting the dust of those who survive the crisis in journalism that exists today.

Let me know what you think!

State of State and GOP response

Hey everyone! Hope you watched and enjoyed our coverage of the State of the State!

Here is the text of Gov. Perdue's speech followed by the Republican Response.

"Speaker Hackney, President Pro-Tem Basnight, Lt. Gov. Dalton members of the General Assembly and honored guests.

Let me also recognize my sons Garrett and his wife April and Emmett and his fiancée Sarah. And, of course, a very important man in my life. Unlike most of us, he didn't seek his position. But he accepts it, maybe it would be better to say puts up with it -- and that means no home-cooked dinners -- North Carolina's First, First Gentleman, Bob Eaves.

Tonight, I ask you to join me in expressing North Carolina's deepest gratitude to our nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, Coast Guard, the members of the National Guard and Reserves - particularly those who call North Carolina their home. We send a special thank you to your families since military service is a family commitment.

With us tonight is Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey L. Copeland and his wife June. Jeff is Commander of the First - 130th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. He is joined by Staff Sergeant David E. Rhodes, an aircraft mechanic in Delta Company, and his wife Michelle.

After 9-11, this was the nation's first reserve helicopter battalion that was deployed serving 17 months in Afghanistan. In a week, Jeff, David and 480 other members of the unit will start a deployment to Iraq. We thank you, and all those in North Carolina's National Guard, for your service and wish you success and God’s Speed in your mission.

It is a privilege and honor to be here with you tonight. I want to thank the citizens of North Carolina for the opportunity to serve this great state as your governor - and might I add, as North Carolina's first female governor.

I remember the first time I sat in this chamber as a freshman member and looked around. Then, there were just 24 women in the General Assembly. Today there are 43 women in this body. The legislative choir has a broader and stronger range of diverse voices. More points of view are being heard in state government. That is good for North Carolina.

North Carolina, like most states, has been thrown into the midst of a global economic crisis. To come through it, and we will, we must make tough decisions -- choices I will make and you will make.

That is our job and our responsibility:

To confront the difficult circumstances and deal with them;
To move wisely, prudently and decisively;
To do what we must do to get through the tough times, as we also position ourselves and North Carolina to seize the opportunities of the future.

That is why, as much as it is my privilege tonight to speak to this distinguished gathering, I also want to speak frankly and directly to the people of North Carolina.

Let me frame the picture for you. Families all around the state are anxious. Many have lost their jobs. Many have lost their homes. As I travel around this state, I see the uncertainty and worry in the eyes of North Carolinians.

When I made one of my surprise site visits to a state employment office, a 70-year-old man told me about how his retirement savings had evaporated. He was looking for a job when he thought he'd be headed to retirement. A woman, with her three children in tow, had lost her job and told the counselors she'd take anything. A Ph.D. who thought he was in a cutting-edge permanent career, found himself, instead, on the unemployment line.

These people are North Carolina. They are America. And as elected officials, it is our moral responsibility to work together and help our citizens restart their lives.

Now I know those of us in this chamber tonight can't fix everything. No one can. But there are things we can do. By making the tough choices, by taking decisive action to meet our challenges, we can, and will, be part of the solutions we need to move North Carolina forward.

I will do whatever it takes to:

Pay our state's bills.
Keep all our kids healthy and in school.
Make sure, that when our seniors need care, they can get it.
Keep prisoners locked up and our people safe.
Create jobs and provide ways for those who are out of work to learn new skills.

So, let me be direct with you. This is what we must do now and for the future:

WE START BY REVIVING NORTH CAROLINA'S ECONOMY: We must go after every federal recovery dollar that is available. We need to get that money into North Carolina.

We will put our people back to work by:

Building bridges.
Paving roads.
Expanding and renovating our infrastructure.

It will take engineers, architects, contractors, technology experts and laborers of all types.

It was no joke when I said if South Carolina's governor doesn't want federal recovery funds, I'd drive a truck down to pick up his share. I know how to put those dollars to good use and help people. To those folks in South Carolina, I offer a warm invitation. "Come on up here. Stay a while." See how we in North Carolina can push forward-- in tough times.

But, back to business. We will ensure that the recovery dollars are spent with maximum efficiency, transparency, and accountability. I have put a team together in my Office of Economic Recovery & Investment that will track every dollar.

With the click of a mouse, taxpayers can go to www.NCRecovery.gov and see details of our investments. You'll know where the money went, who got the contract, and when they completed the work. Soon, NC OpenBook will do the same for all state contracts and grants worth more than $10,000. This is taking care of the people's business, North Carolina style.

But we can't rely on the federal government alone. We must do what ever it takes, our own, here in North Carolina, to create jobs, help displaced workers get new jobs, and keep families in their homes. We cannot let our citizens' dreams for a better future die.

We are already transforming our traditional industries into 21st century jobs. N.C. State is leading the nation in developing lightweight textiles that are used in the aerospace industry. This cutting-edge work helped us bring SpiritAero Systems, with 1,000 jobs.

We have broadened our traditional agriculture economy and become a Mecca for biotech, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences by uniquely bringing together government, higher education and private business. This allows ideas to springboard from the lab to the market place. Just look around. There's Quintiles, Merck, Bayer, Biogen, PPD and more.

Even as we work to grow the economy, WE MUST ALSO TRANSFORM THE WAY WE INVEST THE PEOPLE'S MONEY:

Starting today, it is no longer business as usual for North Carolina's budget. I want all our citizens to know it is a new day. Everything is on the table. We don't have time for talk-show political posturing or petty partisan games. Not on my watch.

We are confronted with challenges our state has not seen since the Great Depression. With a $3 billion plus shortfall, we must be upfront and make hard, painful decisions. "Truth in budgeting" time is here. It is what we must do to balance the budget and put North Carolina on strong footing, for now and the future.

"Cutting the fat" is a cliché that does not go far enough.

In the budget I present next week we will reduce and cut state government programs and services that many, including me, know have been effective but which, in these times, we simply cannot afford.

FOR NORTH CAROLINA, EDUCATION IS THE PRIORITY: Even as we search out ways to cope with our deteriorating economic landscape, we must be sure to protect our most precious asset -- our children, our future workers. So we must find ways to be inventive and engaging in the way our schools work and students learn. We must, as the saying goes, "not eat our seed corn," but continue to move forward on education to keep North Carolina competitive in the global market place.

And yes, even in these tough times... we will increase per-pupil spending in our public schools.

And while we will hold schools, teachers and students accountable, we will bring some sanity to North Carolina's own testing mania by eliminating duplicative or unnecessary tests.

I have reorganized our public schools, with Bill Harrison becoming both the CEO of the State Board of Education and of the Department of Public Instruction -- adding accountability and clear direction to a system badly in need of both.

And, as we make sure our schools perform, we must expect no less from all our citizens. No child has permission to drop out of school in North Carolina and no teacher has permission to give up on a student. No parent has a free pass from their responsibility to be fully involved in their child's education.

And no segment of our community, particularly our business community, gets a free pass on education. Our business leaders put a lot of energy into making sure North Carolina's tax rate is competitive. These leaders need to put the same effort into helping North Carolina be the home of the nation's best educated workforce.

And we will begin my College Promise to remove financial barriers for access to higher education. In this global economy, education beyond high school is not a luxury... it's a necessity.

My efforts create a pathway, starting in pre-kindergarten, that offers courses of study that fit students' needs -- all the way through vocational, community college, or college. Seamless learning, pre-K through 20, that's the goal.

And North Carolina will use technology to modernize the classroom and enable teaching to catch up with the way our kids live. Let's face it, today's students show up at school with more technology in their pockets and backpacks than they find in their classrooms. For too many students, they ignore what's on the blackboard while they are busy "tweeting" on Twitter. I see some of you doing that right now.

North Carolina's Virtual Public High School will ensure that any kid in any high school can take any class he or she needs. This levels the education playing field for students and assures educational equity.

AND, AS WE FOCUS ON EDUCATION, WE WILL ALSO WORK TO RESTORE CITIZENS' FAITH IN THEIR GOVERNMENT:

In the 21st century we must conduct the business of government in ways that bring transparency and accountability to the people. We will restore our citizens' confidence that government can help solve problems, and work efficiently without wasting tax dollars.

On my first day in office I ordered reforms to change the face of state government. At the Department of Transportation I insisted on openness and bringing professional decision-making to the process.

And some major policy decisions, like my new “zero tolerance” policy in mental health, the corrections systems and throughout government in general, will sometimes be painful because I am exposing weaknesses and individual actions that are unacceptable and wrong. I believe “zero tolerance” is how we find and correct the weaknesses that put people's lives at risk and undermine faith in government.

I have set high expectations for myself and for everyone who works for North Carolina. We will be open, ethical, and put the public's interest first. Taxpayers deserve no less from every state worker and I expect nothing less from every state employee. And, again my friends, these same taxpayers deserve no less from you.

As the legislature starts work on the budget and the important services that our citizens need, let me be clear about where I stand. Education is the engine that propels North Carolina's future. It cannot -- and will not-- be sacrificed.

This is the time to stand up to the sweet seductions of special interests, the temptations of politically popular pork barrel spending, and end the practice of backroom dealing.

Those days are gone. We cannot afford them in these perilous times. Our first and only duty is to stand by North Carolina families. That is why we are here.

The choices we face are clear. We are each called to service, courage, and sacrifice. We have been given the privilege and the responsibility to govern during a difficult time. We have been called, quite frankly, to the responsibility… of leadership in North Carolina.

This is the time to answer that call. It is a time for the ordinary citizens in this citizen-legislature to be extraordinary leaders. And we need not look far in North Carolina to find living examples of the kind of determination, hard work and sacrifice that make ordinary people extraordinary heroes.

Acting courageously. The words are simple, but today's challenges are not. Three quarters of a century ago, at a time not unlike now, Gov. Max Gardner told the General Assembly: "The whole future of this state will be profoundly affected by your work here and the eventful days that lie just ahead."

So, as Gov. Gardner called on the 1931 legislature to change the way government did business, I call upon you to join me in renewing and reinvigorating our service to North Carolina -- with the spirit of innovation and purpose -- these times demand.

Last November, you, the voters of North Carolina gave us the opportunity to make the tough decisions that the 21st century demands. You put your most sacred trust, your votes, in us. You believed in us. You placed your futures in our hands. We must not -- and we will not -- let you down.

In these tough times, North Carolina must continue pushing ahead. We North Carolinians do not shy away from challenges and we do not quit.

Simply getting our economy back to what it was isn't good enough. We will make our economy stronger.

We all must have high expectations for ourselves and North Carolina's future. We all must exhibit extraordinary leadership, courage, determination, and make the tough, but right decisions.

We will move North Carolina forward even in these challenging times. And, as a new day dawns for North Carolina and America - as we come out of this global recession, North Carolina the Old Tar Heel State, will be poised to take on the world.

Good night, God bless you, and God bless North Carolina."

The following is a Republican response from Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger

"Hello, my name is Phil Berger. I am the Republican Leader in the North Carolina Senate;

Times are tough. People across North Carolina are struggling to pay their bills, care for their children, support their churches, look after their friends and neighbors, and plan for their children’s future. But North Carolinians are resilient, independent, hardworking people and if our elected leaders take a few prudent steps we will come out of this recession well positioned for the future.

Like many of you I know something about tough times, struggling to achieve, taking responsibility for self and family. I dropped out of college in 1971; shortly after that my wife, Pat, and I started a family, I worked in a grocery store and managed the produce department.

It didn’t take long for me to understand that it was important to go back to school, which I did. I worked my way through Community College and then College and in 1980 we sold our house and moved with our two sons to Winston-Salem where I enrolled in Law School at Wake Forest.

Pat went to work at the University and I painted apartments. I finished Law School in 2 1/2 years.

After stints at a law firm in Charlotte and at the Court of Appeals in Raleigh we settled in Eden where I have practiced law for the last 25 years.

I tell you this not because it is an exceptional story. It isn’t. I tell you this because my personal experience is like the experience of so many North Carolinians I’ve met as I’ve traveled our state.

You have heard a great deal about North Carolina’s financial situation; about how state revenue collections are down; and about what that may mean for the state’s budget, this year and next.

What you may not have heard is that over the past half dozen years Democratic leaders in North Carolina have adopted state budgets that have seen general fund spending grow by almost 50% and that even after this year’s forced reduction of $2 billion caused by the slowing economy, the growth over that six year period will still be almost 35%. Even at the lower amount, state government will be spending $53 million every day, 7 days per week.

During the same six years, Democrats have also approved long term borrowing that has more than doubled our state’s debt.

These rates of spending and borrowing can not be sustained. The current economic situation is an opportunity to get North Carolina’s financial house in order. We must make tough decisions now in order to have a solid platform for building our future.

To hasten North Carolina’s economic recovery we must acknowledge that the Democrat’s budgets over the past 6 years are a major reason North Carolina is suffering more than most states and that our unemployment rate is among the highest in the country.

We can not fix the national economy, but we can keep our focus on the basics and we can put North Carolina in a position of advantage when the economy improves again.

Republicans understand that putting North Carolina back to work is Job one.

I believe it necessary to set out some principles; some fairly simple rules that state elected officials need to adhere to in making decisions for the people of our state, including decisions about the state budget.

First, there must be an understanding and recognition of the importance of your “family budget”; state government should not take action that fixes the state budget and harms and ignores the family budget; we can not allow the government budget to further stress already stretched families. The way to do that is to frankly and realistically appraise how much money the state has coming in, and spend that much and no more. This common sense, conservative approach is needed now more than ever.

Second, state government must focus on basic things; the real priorities for North Carolina’s long term success – education, transportation, having a tax and regulatory climate that enables the private sector to create good jobs, and protecting the safety of our people and their property.

As I go around our state, I see one North Carolina – of parents and grandparents caring for their children and grandchildren, small business owners looking after their shops and stores, farmers and retirees concerned about their way of life, teachers and law enforcement personnel sensitive to the needs of those in their charge, wage earning laborers and professionals doing all they can to make tomorrow better than yesterday, all North Carolinians, all making up the fabric of their communities, and all impacted by decisions made by government.

It is critical for the Governor to bring forward and the legislature adopt a state budget that does not increase the tax burden on North Carolina’s families. There are difficult decisions ahead; government leaders must remember this: if it’s tough for the government, it is much tougher for the millions of people in North Carolina we work for. As we look at the state budget, we must remember that our state is full of families making great sacrifices. Leadership means a commitment that government shoulders its share of the pain and sacrifice.

I was pleased Friday to hear Governor Perdue reiterated her campaign promise not to raise taxes. This is a promise she must keep and Republicans are ready to do help sustain her veto of any budget Legislative Democrats pass that includes increased taxes and fees.

Republican legislators pledge to work with Governor Perdue and the Democratic leadership to fashion solutions. However we will support proposals only if they are in keeping with the principles I outlined earlier; protecting the family budget, a focus on core state functions, and appreciating that there is one North Carolina where we all live and work and, as we know, where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great.

As I close, please join me in recognizing and thanking the thousands of North Carolinians serving our country at home and abroad in the military. Every day these brave and selfless citizen soldiers place themselves in harm’s way so that we may pursue our lives in relative peace. Over the past several years a number have made the ultimate sacrifice; we know that the next year will continue to be one of significant hardship for them and their families. We are blessed by their service and humbled by their selflessness.

Thank you and May God bless you and our great state."

State of the State tonight

Hey all!

Hope you had a great weekend and enjoyed the ridiculously nice weather!!!

It's Monday and it's really going to be a Monday. Gov. Perdue will give her State of the State tonight to the General Assembly and it's not going to be good news.

Join us on tv at News 14 Carolina starting at 6:54pm. We'll have commentary and analysis from Peace College political professor David McLennan, NC Policy Watch's Chris Fitzsimon, and former GOP candidate for governor Bob Orr.

You can also follow the action online with us at twitter. Just use the hashtag #ncsos.

Follow http://www.search.twitter.com

See you then!

Warm weekend wonds erland!

Hey all!

I know on the first warm weekend of the year it's a lot to ask to sit inside and watch a show but here it is anyway!

Chris Fitzsimon from NC Policy Watch and Joe Coletti from the John Locke Foundation join me to preview Governor Bev Perdue's State of the State. Then we talk with a UNC Highway Safety Research Center researcher about driving while talking on cell phones.

It's all on Political Connections tonight at 6pm and Sunday at 11am.

Then Monday night we'll have the State of the State live on News 14 Carolina. Our coverage starts at 6:54. Former GOP Gubernatorial candidate Bob Orr, Fitzsimon and Peace College political expert David McLennan join me for analysis before and after.

Enjoy the warm weekend and great basketball as well!!!

New video

Happy Thursday all!

That means it's time for another video entry. This week we show you how we report live from the field with a "backlot" tour. Enjoy!

Carolina Duke for the title!

Man oh man it doesn't get any better than this. Two titans in college basketball, the tobacco road rivalry, 8 mile separation, whatever else you want to call it-nothing is better than a UNC-Duke regular season finale with the ACC title on the line.

It's my belief Carolina is playing for a #1 NCAA seed as well with a win which puts even more on this game. These games are great anyway but it's always notched up a level when a title is on the line.

In other news, it appears the state's first CEO of education will be sworn in on the board of education tomorrow. It should also be the start of a battle over who controls education and what in the world does it mean for State Superintendent June Atkinson.

Tomorrow I hope to add another video entry to the blog with a "backlot" tour and show you how we do live shots in the field.

Should be fun.

And how about 70's this weekend. IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!

State of the State

The House has approved its invitation for Gov. Perdue to address lawmakers Monday night at 7pm. We will have full coverage of the entire event before, during, and after. In fact, I believe we will air her State of the State in its entirety. Then a full breakdown on Political Connections.

I'm hearing her budget proposal likely won't come out until the following week. It seems likely her state of the state will not be pretty. The state is we are facing a huge deficit that's growing every day.

What are her plans to fix it and will she say what you want or need to hear from her?

Let me know what you think she should or needs to say. What's important for her to say or does it even matter?

I'm interviewing a couple of pundits from both sides of the political aisle on the subject in the coming days as well so let me know you're questions for them.

Behind the scenes forecast

Hey everyone! Wherever you are I hope you're safe and enjoying the weather. Here's a behind the scenes look in our forecast center tonight!

Let it snow?

I'm headed in to help out and anchor the night shift tonight for our statewide snow coverage!

Send me your stories and pics and we'll use them here, twitter, on air and more.

You send them and I'll make sure we'll share them! tim.boyum@news14.com

More later but I must eat and get ready for work! Hope you're enjoying an inside movie watching rainy weekend!